AMC Eagle Den Forum

The Mighty 258 => The Engine => Topic started by: 85AmCfreak on April 06, 2012, 11:52:05 AM

Title: A/C idler pulley replacement part
Post by: 85AmCfreak on April 06, 2012, 11:52:05 AM
I went into auto zone and they gave me the upper idler pulley. I told him this was the wrong one and the guy said it was the only one they listed. I am looking for the Lower one I know the original part number is J3241 406 I remember seeing it on the nest here.....someone had found a GM idler that was identical. If anyone knows a replacement part number or where that post is it would be very helpful.........
Title: Re: A/C idler pulley replacement part
Post by: Jurjen on April 06, 2012, 12:58:48 PM
That's the one that is running against the back of the belt?
I removed that one three years ago, no problems so far.
Title: Re: A/C idler pulley replacement part
Post by: TLC87Eagle on April 06, 2012, 06:01:57 PM
If you have a machine shop near you, or better, own a press, you can have the bearing pressed out the original pulley and have a new bearing pressed in. The part number is 6203-2RS for Wagner or/and others I believe. You can find them online for as little as $3, and it'll be good as new.

I have replaced both of my pulleys over the years, the top pulley is available, as the bearing cannot be easily changed out the original style. The lower A/C pulley is not available anywhere I found, and I searched many resources, but the bearing can be pressed out and new one pressed in with the part number listed above.

If a bearing is making noise, it WILL eventually fail. I learned the hard way with my top pulley. I was sitting in traffic one day, and turned on the A/C, the pulley started whining a lot, then I heard the whining stop, and saw smoke coming out from under the hood, with the smell or burnt rubber. Shortly after the battery light came on, and I pulled over and found the top pulley froze up solid, and shredded the belt to pieces. Thankfully the drive home wasn't far, so I limped it home without the A/C and alternator, and changed the pulley, and put on a new belt.

Hope this helps.
Title: Re: A/C idler pulley replacement part
Post by: 85AmCfreak on April 07, 2012, 04:32:10 AM
If you have a machine shop near you, or better, own a press, you can have the bearing pressed out the original pulley and have a new bearing pressed in. The part number is 6203-2RS for Wagner or/and others I believe. You can find them online for as little as $3, and it'll be good as new.

I have replaced both of my pulleys over the years, the top pulley is available, as the bearing cannot be easily changed out the original style. The lower A/C pulley is not available anywhere I found, and I searched many resources, but the bearing can be pressed out and new one pressed in with the part number listed above.

If a bearing is making noise, it WILL eventually fail. I learned the hard way with my top pulley. I was sitting in traffic one day, and turned on the A/C, the pulley started whining a lot, then I heard the whining stop, and saw smoke coming out from under the hood, with the smell or burnt rubber. Shortly after the battery light came on, and I pulled over and found the top pulley froze up solid, and shredded the belt to pieces. Thankfully the drive home wasn't far, so I limped it home without the A/C and alternator, and changed the pulley, and put on a new belt.

Hope this helps.


Thanks for the part number but I remember seeing a direct replacement on the nest here somewhere It may have been for a Chevy 3.8 or maybe a 4.3 I can't remember now. If worst comes to worst I will have to press a new bearing in but I would like to find a replacement assembly
Title: Re: A/C idler pulley replacement part
Post by: TLC87Eagle on April 07, 2012, 11:20:27 AM
Yeah, there used to be a thread about the idler pulleys, and I recall seeing the one from a Chevy that is very similar. I think its slightly wider and has a slightly bigger diameter. I can't remember what motor it is for though, maybe someone one here will chime in.
Title: Re: A/C idler pulley replacement part
Post by: eaglebeek on April 07, 2012, 02:54:15 PM
That's the one that is running against the back of the belt?
I removed that one three years ago, no problems so far.
Mine is gone also :eagle: